Blog 10: Evaluation

Final Evaluation

Initially I wanted to use poetry to explore the idea of contrasts.  Blakes's 'Songs of Innocence and Experience' showing the 'two contrary states of the human soul' became my stimuli.  I hoped to consider the value and limitations of the two different perspectives, dramatising both the joy and naivety of innocence, before considering how the harsh experiences of life and the negative forces within society can change a perspective.  I had many ideas for movement, and, like Blake, wanted to consider the same experience through two different lenses.  Therefore I considered how the same movement could be expressed through two different dynamics.  This proved fruitful, but ultimately uninspiring.  The complexity of Blake's philosophy, his deep underlying imagery representing the corruption of the human soul through despotic authority and institutionalised religion gave me ideas but was a 'theory' rather than an emotion. 

I therefore wanted to use this idea from a more personal perspective and had recently witnessed an example of a life drawn short as a result of life's repressive experiences. This gave me the emotion I had been lacking.  I felt I could use the idea of 'innocence' and experience' to show a gradual movement from one state to the next, but also consider the ripple effect of actions, by incorporating a 'viewer's' perspective towards the end of my piece. 

Having been through this stalling process, I am now very happy that I had a combination of philosophical thinking and personal experience on which to build my piece.  It has taught me that I am a procrastinator! I am fully aware that, if not fully committed or inspired, my ideas stagnate and I find it difficult to motivate myself.  I feel the creative process needs commitment, but I am also aware that an artist cannot always pick and choose their stimuli. 

In the future I would like to be more proactive in finding solutions to problems. The fear of restarting prevented me from progressing - despite my gut instinct telling me to do so. Moreover, when faced without a choice on what I choreograph in the future, I would like to be able to develop a piece with the same quality, whether I am emotionally connected or not. The dance industry will be full of projects and positions that will range in motivation and inspiration - the goal is to remain consistent within them all. By suffering my 'ruts' I have come across techniques to support me through my obstacles, such as the work of Twyla Tharp and the techniques of Wayne McGregor. These will be invaluable tools to use in the future. 

I feel very happy with my final product.  It is a work that I feel committed to and which I hope has been delivered with integrity and respect.  Dancing for me is not just about the moves, but also the performance and the emotion that can be evoked in an audience.  This process has allowed me to incorporate both of these processes together and I feel I have not only developed my skills in choreography, but tied these inextricably to the emotion of the piece.  I have thoroughly enjoyed developing my techniques, in particular modelling some of my ideas off the style of Marco Goecke. 

I have learnt that choreography requires an open mind.  Whilst you need a goal, it is important not to be too tunnel visioned about what you must include and the way to do it.  I have learnt to be open to change and to keep searching for other influences.  Feedback from others may sometimes feel frustrating as it is as if they cannot see your intention and you are having to take paces backwards. However, the audience and their opinions are vital.  They are not always aware of the symbolism of a movement and if this is not effective, then it needs to be changed. 

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And finally a note to Daniel.  I have truly tried to treat you and this incident with respect.  Although I have discovered information, I have not included any personal details or made any specific comments.  That is your story and not for me to tell.  I have only tried to incorporate general details about social injustices and the impact society can have on an individual. I was left haunted by my helplessness and your pain, and the creative process I have been through has helped me to process that terrible day. I am so sorry I could not help you, but I truly hope you have now found peace.